Emotions Quote by Scott Atran
““Then there are the secondary, mostly “social” emotions, such as anxiety, grief, guilt, pride, vengeance, and love. These may be unique to humans—hence, at the lower level in our evolutionary mountain landscape—and somewhat more liable to cultural manipulation and variation than the primary, “Darwinian” emotions. Thus, only humans seek revenge or redemption across lifetimes and generations, whatever the cost, although the nature of the deeds that trigger insult or remorse may vary considerably across societies, and the means to counter them may range even wider. Another””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Social Brain: Evolution and the Origin of Religion by Scott Atran, 2002
Humans experience complex social emotions that differ from basic survival emotions, shaped by culture and capable of influencing behavior across generations.
In simple terms: Human social emotions are culturally shaped and can affect actions over long periods.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how cultural context shapes emotional responses.
Themes
emotions
culture
evolution
social behavior
revenge
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
theoretical
analytical
When to use this quote
- interpersonal conflict
- justice systems
- family dynamics
- political movements
Key Concepts
psychology
anthropology
evolutionary theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do cultural narratives shape your feelings of guilt or pride?
- What role does revenge play in your community?
A Different Perspective
Cultural factors can limit the universality of these emotions.
